POLICE have appealed for public assistance as investigations continue into an attempted armed hold up late last year. About 4.15pm on Saturday December 22, a man entered a service station on Mulbring Street, Stanford Merthyr, with his face concealed. He threatened the attendant with a pipe wrench and demanded money. The offender fled a short time later empty-handed and the attendant was not injured. The incident is being investigated by Cessnock detectives, who are attached to the Hunter Valley Police District. As investigations continue, detectives would like to speak with a man described as being aged in his early 20s, about 165cm tall, with a thin build. At the time he was wearing a dark hooded jumper, dark long pants and black work boots. Investigators have also released the description of a vehicle believed to have been involved - a white Holden Commodore sedan with black coloured steel rims. Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Alternatively, please contact Cessnock Police on (02) 4991 0199. While you’re with us, did you know The Herald is now offering breaking news alerts, daily email newsletters and more? Keep up-to-date with all the local news - sign up here.

Public appeal for information: pipe wrench used in attempted robbery at Stanford Merthyr

POLICE have appealed for public assistance as investigations continue into an attempted armed hold up late last year.

About 4.15pm on Saturday December 22, a man entered a service station on Mulbring Street, Stanford Merthyr, with his face concealed.

He threatened the attendant with a pipe wrench and demanded money.

The offender fled a short time later empty-handed and the attendant was not injured.

The incident is being investigated by Cessnock detectives, who are attached to the Hunter Valley Police District.

As investigations continue, detectives would like to speak with a man described as being aged in his early 20s, about 165cm tall, with a thin build. At the time he was wearing a dark hooded jumper, dark long pants and black work boots.

Investigators have also released the description of a vehicle believed to have been involved - a white Holden Commodore sedan with black coloured steel rims.